A Fistful of Love: A Domestic Violence Anthology

by Thomas, Dominique

  I wiped the tears away and placed all of the papers and the stack of money into my purse. The hurt I felt for Stone had turned into hate. This nigga never really loved me, I’ve just been a pawn in his sick ass game against my father. Stone basically took something that was rightfully mine and called it his own.

  He was supposed to be a friend to my father, but all along he was against him. I really don’t even care about the material things in the situation. My issue is, why was he mistreating and abusing me in the process. I didn’t deserve the hurt and pain he inflicted upon me. And to think, there was a point in the beginning when he truly made me feel so wanted and loved.

  Although I had every intention on moving on with my life, there was no way I was going to let Stone live his life comfortably. He simply didn’t deserve it. At the same time, I needed to avenge my parent’s death. He had no right to take them from me. Before leaving the bank, I opened up a checking account and placed the majority of the money in it.

  As soon as I left out of the bank and headed towards my car, I was stopped in my tracks. Boss was leaning against my car smoking a blunt. I just shook my head at his ass, because I was in no mood for his shit right now. I must admit he looked good as hell in his all black Nike jogging suit, with low top Air Force Ones. I know this nigga ain’t no damn stalker. How in the hell did he know I was here at the bank?

  Chapter 15- Boss

  K’Yonnah had my full attention the moment I watched her walk into the restaurant with Red. That piqued my interest, because I wanted to know what she was doing with that old head. I knew that she saw me, but I purposely acted as if I didn’t see her. Not because I was with Nia, but because I wanted to see how she interacted with him. It was obvious they were like family.

  When they left in a hurry, I took notice at how she looked upset. I immediately told Nia I had to cut lunch short with her. I was happy to do that, because she was asking could we get back together, and that’s not what I wanted. My heart was with K’Yonnah. Plus, I’m the type of man that never back tracks. Once I’m done fucking with a female, that’s it. I no longer have any use for you.

  After having sex with K’Yonnah this morning, I had to get up and walk out of the room. Her pussy was so fucking good that she had a nigga speechless. Never in my life had I ever gotten sprung off my first shot of pussy from a woman. However, K’Yonnah has some type of hold on me, and I just can’t explain it. I could tell when she noticed me leaning against her car she was surprised to see me.

  “Where’s your little date?” I smiled K’Yonnah. Hearing her say that showed that she was jealous.

  “That girl wasn’t my date, she just invited me out to lunch. Honestly, she wants us to get back together, but that’s not about to happen. In the past we were in a relationship, but that’s over with. All I want is Nia’s friendship. Unfortunately, she doesn’t want my friendship, because I don’t want to be in a relationship with. So it’s safe to say, I’ll probably never talk to her again.”

  K’Yonnah tried to walk past me, but I grabbed her and pulled her to me. We both stared into each other’s eyes for a minute. I pulled her in and kissed her on the forehead. She was so fucking beautiful, even with all the pain in her eyes. Her body language was telling me that she was uneasy and uncomfortable, so I released her.

  “Talk to me, Yonnah. What’s good?”

  “Look, Boss, I’m sorry, but all of this is happening so fast. What happened between us this morning was a mistake. I have so much going on in my life right now, and it’s too soon for me to jump into another relationship. Please know that I have really strong feelings for you, to the point where I want to see where a relationship with us could go.

  “However, it wouldn’t be fair to you if I started something up with you, knowing I have unfinished business from my past relationship. Asking you to wait on me to get my shit together would be selfish. It’s just too soon for me, Boss. Please forgive me if I led you on in anyway. I have to go.”

  K’Yonnah kissed me on the cheek, and I stepped to the side and let her get into her car. I’m not gone say I wasn’t fucked up about the shit she said to me, but I had to respect it. As quiet as it’s kept, that actually made me dig her even more. I guess if it’s meant to be, it will be. If not, at least I got a chance to taste the promise land between her legs.

  Chapter 16- K’Yonnah

  It killed me to walk away from Boss, but I had to in order to do what I had to do. I made sure to send Shannie a text checking on her. I was glad to know that Kartier was doing better. I hated that I wasn’t at the hospital by her side, because she had been here for me every step of the way, while I was dealing with the death of my daughter. However, I had a more pressing issue that needed my attention.

  I knew that Stone wasn’t at home just yet. So I decided to get real comfortable. After all, my name was on the deed. Stone couldn’t even get the house if it wasn’t for me. At first, I was going to leave peacefully, but after finding out about what that motherfucker had done, I made plans for his ass. He was not about to get rid of me that easy.

  Since he was gone, I went into his gun cabinet, and I removed all of the guns and hid them in the garage. Of course, I hid a couple of them around the house, just in case I needed to use one. I had never in my life shot a gun, let alone held one in my hand. I had to put all of my fears to the side, because I needed to be on point if I was going to go toe to toe with Stone’s ass.

  He was about to be in for the shock of his life when he walked inside of the house. Since I was a little hungry, I decided to whip up dinner. I baked some chicken breasts, whipped up a quick batch of instant potatoes, and cheese broccoli. I made sure to add a special ingredient to his portion of potatoes.

  One thing about Stone, he could never resist my cooking, so he’ll come right in tearing some shit up. As I waited for him, I gathered all the important paperwork that had my name on it. Over the years Stone had me signing my name on all types of shit. I never really questioned him, because of course, if I did he would find a way to beat my damn signature out of me. So I just went along with whatever. I made sure to put all of the papers safely away inside of my glove compartment.

  I hurriedly went back inside and waited for Stone to arrive. I thumbed through the numerous pieces of mail that were on the counter. One of them was from the Gerber Life Insurance Company, and it was addressed to Stone. I couldn’t help but to open it up. I had no idea he had insurance on our daughter.

  As I read the letter I realized that something was terribly wrong. Apparently, he couldn’t get the insurance payout, because there was an investigation into the death of our daughter. I was trying to process all of the information that was hitting me at once. I looked over and that’s when I saw that the medical examiner’s report. I picked it up and scanned it, the cause of death was suffocation by asphyxia. My suspicions were right, I knew somebody did something to my baby.

  It was all making sense now. Stone killed our daughter for the insurance money. Stone was a heartless motherfucker. What type of man kills his own child for money? My mind was going into overdrive as I tried to process why this man was doing this to me. After reading over all of the documentation I knew I needed to get down to the police station.

  Stone needed to be in jail for all of the shit that he has done. He needed to rot in a jail cell for the rest of his fucking life. I tried to hurry up and leave, but as soon as I was headed out of the door, Stone was coming in with his key. We both stood in the foyer of the house. I knew I was in deep shit when he snatched the papers from my hand.

  “What the fuck you doing here?”

  “I was just coming to get some of my things. I’m leaving now.” I tried to move past him, but he slapped me causing me to spin around and fall onto the stairs. I tried to climb up the stairs, but he pulled me back down.

  “For somebody that’s supposed to be moving their shit out you sure are empty handed.” Stone jerked me up from the floor by my throat, and was damn near choking the life out of me
. I could feel myself starting to black out from the lack of oxygen. I clawed at his hands until he dropped me to the floor.

  I choked and gasped for air until I was able to get up and crawl away from him. It was then that I lost any logical thinking I previously possessed. I looked back and he was reading over the paperwork. He looked at me, and I knew he was about to kill me. At that point it was either him or me. I quickly jumped up and ran over to the couch to grab the gun that I had stashed in the cushion.

  “Don’t you dare take another step towards me!” I was shaking uncontrollably and crying, as I pointed the gun in his direction. He had that same evil ass smirk he kept on his face.

  “Put the gun down with your stupid ass. Your father pulled the same stunt, and well we both know where Mommy and Daddy Dearest are at.”

  “How could you do that to me, Stone? My parents were one thing, but how could you kill our daughter. Tianna was a part of you, your own flesh and blood.

  “What the fuck are you talking about? I would never do shit to her. Give me that gun before I fuck you up.” He charged at me, and I squeezed the trigger until I couldn’t any more. Everything happened so fast. Stone was laying on the floor holding his chest and gasping for air. I just stood over him holding the gun and pointing it at him. I knew he was about to get up and hit me. I watched as he took his last breath. At the same time the police rushed inside the house with their guns drawn.

  “Drop the gun now!”

  “I didn’t mean to do it. He was going to hurt me.” I dropped the gun on the floor and that’s when I was forced face down. My arms were placed behind my back, and I was handcuffed.

  Things happened so fast. I couldn’t believe I was going to jail for killing Stone’s ass. As I rode in the back of the squad car, I felt no fear or pain. Honestly, the world was a better place without him in it.

  I had no idea how long I had been sitting inside the interrogation room. From the moment I had been put inside of the room, I felt like someone was watching me. The room was so small and very cold. I don’t know what had come over me, but all of a sudden I was so sleepy. I laid my head down, and I drifted off to sleep. That nap was short lived. Two detectives came inside of the room and woke me up from my sleep.

  ******

  “Wake up, Ms. Kyles.” The female detective shook me as she spoke. I sat up straight in the chair and stared at them without any emotion.

  “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you?”

  “Yes. I understand.”

  “Can we get you anything from the vending machine?” The male detective spoke in a concerned voice. As if he really cared whether I wanted something or not.

  “No. I’m fine.”

  “Can you tell us what happened tonight between you and the victim, Stone Williams?” I thought long and hard before I spoke to the detectives. They were staring at me with stern looks, and judging me without even knowing my story. At the same time it didn’t even matter. It is what it is. I did what I had to do.

  “I did what I had to do to protect myself.”

  “Can you please be a little clearer when you make that statement?”

  “Stone Williams was an abusive, manipulative, womanizer who killed my parents and our daughter. He made it a habit to beat my ass whenever he felt like it. Tonight, he put his hands on me for the very last time. He slapped and damn near choked me to death. So like I said, it was either him or me.”

  Both of the detectives sat across from with stunned looks on their faces. I guess they were in shock at how blunt I was being about the situation. I had braced myself, because I knew what was next. They both stood up and placed me back in handcuffs, and took me to the Women’s Division at the County jail.

  Chapter 17- K’Yonnah

  2 weeks later

  I had been in lock up for the last two weeks. At first I was terrified, but I was slowly starting to adjust to what would probably be my home for the rest of my life. I was waiting for my Preliminary Hearing so that I could meet my public defender. The other inmates were telling me that my case had been all over the news. I was amazed at how they new that. Especially since we weren’t allowed to watch the news or read the newspaper.

  For some reason, it was like the women in here respected me for doing what I did. Despite not really having a care in the world about killing Stone, I still felt funny about the situation. Mainly, because he should be here to pay for everything he put my through. Death is far too easy for a motherfucker like him. I had nothing but time on my hand as I laid in my bunk.

  I thought about how I’m going to do prison time without any family by my side. I guess it really was no different then being out in the world, because I had no family out there either. Not long after I was informed that I had a visitor. That was surprising because no one had been to visit me. In all actuality, I didn’t want any visitors.

  The correctional officer escorted me to the visiting area and tears welled up in my eyes as I took a seat in the booth. Shannie had tears coming from her eyes. Despite looking all ugly crying, she looked absolutely beautiful pregnant. Pregnancy looked so good on her.

  “Hey, boo. How are you holding up in here?” She placed her hand flat up against the class, and I did the same on my side of the glass.

  “Despite the circumstances, I guess I’m okay.”

  “Why didn’t you call me? I would have gotten you a lawyer down here. You have been charged with First Degree Murder.” Shannie started to cry harder as she spoke to me.

  “I know. Please, stop crying, Shannie. I’m ready for whatever my punishment is. Ain’t nothing out there for me anyway. I have nobody. Stone made sure of that.”

  “Are you serious right now, Yonnah? How dare you sit there and say that you don’t have anybody. Not only do you have me, but also you have Kartier and most importantly Boss. Don’t sit in here and let Stone still have the power over you that he had when he was alive.

  “Did you tell them that you’re a victim of domestic violence? Come on now, Yonnah. You can’t go out without a fight. I’m going to find you a lawyer, and he will be here for your Preliminary Hearing. Don’t worry about the cost of it, we got you. You don’t deserve to be in here after everything that motherfucker did.”

  “No, Shannie. Don’t spend your hard earned money on me. You and Kartier are about to bring a baby into the world and you need every penny. Just let me use the public defender. This is one of the most important times in your life and marriage. Please don’t invest your time in me. I’m going to jail for the rest of my life, and I don’t want to burden you with my troubles.” Before she could even say anything I dropped the telephone and walked away.

  I knew that she was hurt by my words, but she left me no choice. Shannie had been here for me damn near all of our life. She needed to focus on her happiness. Once I made it back to my cell, I replayed our conversation in my head. The mention of Boss literally made me sick to my stomach. All I could think about was what he must think of me. Our last conversation also replayed in my mind. I drifted off to sleep wondering what could have been. I guess I’ll never know now.

  Chapter 18- K’Yonnah

  It was the morning of my Preliminary Hearing, and I was so nervous that I was sick as dog. I was throwing up everywhere and I knew most likely it was from the nasty ass food that I had been eating. I was thankful Shannie had put some money on the books for me. Although I really didn’t want her to do that, I must admit that shit was well needed. It had been a little over a month since I had been locked up and the shit was getting harder and harder by the minute. Instead of stressing and crying, I stayed on my knees praying. I had never had a relationship with God, but I believed in him and my faith was real strong.

  At the moment all I had was my faith. If you don’t have faith you don’t have anything. I was running
on empty, but in my time of need God was filling me up with his power. I continuously asked for his forgiveness for killing Stone. I just hoped when it was my time to go he would be waiting and accepting me with open my arms.

  *****

  “I think you need to put in a request to see the doctor. All that damn throwing up ain’t normal.” My cellmate, Ashley, said as she handed me some paper towels. There I was on my knees in front of the damn toilet again. This shit had me so damn weak. All I wanted to do was sleep. Not to mention, I was going crazy with the constant headaches I’ve been having.

  “I’m telling you it’s the food that they serve here.” I wiped my mouth and stared at Ashley as she doubled over laughing her ass off. I didn’t see what the hell was so funny.

  “Do you see me or any of the other girls throwing up? Ain’t none of us used to the slop they be serving us. I’m sorry to inform you, Yonnah, but your ass is pregnant.”

  “Please don’t say that, Ashley. The last thing I want is to be pregnant by Stone.” A sense of dread took over me thinking of how Stone raped me that night. I would probably bring harm to myself if I was indeed pregnant by his ass. Not to mention being pregnant and incarcerated. I could never raise my child in prison. I would get an abortion first, because my child would never grow up with any of Stone’s family.